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Cayman Islanders Split Over FIFA Exec's Arrest

Supporters of the most senior FIFA executive accused of corruption by US officials this week have defended his reputation.

Jeffrey Webb, a vice president of football's governing body, was arrested in a Swiss hotel this week as part of the investigation into allegations of widespread bribes and kickbacks within the organisation.

The 50-year-old banker is a native of the Cayman Islands and rose to prominence as president of the British territory's football association.

A second Cayman Islands football official, British national Costas Takkas, was also arrested.

Cayman Islanders who know Mr Webb have spoken of their shock at the allegations - and their belief that he will be cleared of any wrongdoing.

Robert Prendergast, an acquaintance of 'Mr Jeff' for a number of years, told Sky News: "It is kind of sad to know that people from this part of the world got caught up in this.

"I hope the investigation takes place properly and we have to hope that at the end of the day there is nothing on him and that he can come back hold up his hands and say I'm a clean guy.

"He has brought a lot of good things to the Cayman, he brought tournaments here, a lot of young players got involved in football.

"He is doing a wonderful job, a tremendous job.

"At this time he is innocent and it is just an investigation."

The Cayman Islands Football Association told Sky News it had no comment to make on Mr Webb's arrest.

Outside of its headquarters, work continues on a centre of football excellence.

Mr Webb broke ground on the project alongside FIFA President Sepp Blatter six years ago.

Events in Switzerland are the talk of the island and not everyone on is supportive of the man who put them on them global football map.

"The island is upset. For someone in a position like that, it is very embarrassing," said Chris Ebanks outside of a Cayman supermarket.

The allegations are particularly uncomfortable for a country that is well-known for its wealth and status as a tax haven.

The island is considered the world's fifth largest financial centre.

And Brits Paul Kennedy and Mat Sloane, who host a Premier League football show on Cayman television, say islanders are tired of the way its banking business is often portrayed.

"It is 20 years since a youthful Tom Cruise came here and made The Firm," said Kennedy, referring to the movie about shady business dealings.

"The damage that has done to the reputation of the Cayman Islands has been difficult to claw back.

"In the last week you've had Cayman Islands, FIFA and corruption all in the same sentence."

Sloane added: "That is a magic mix for scandal. I've been here for four or five years and even I get defensive because it is very much my home now."

There was no answer at the family home owned by Mr Webb. It is believed his wife and daughter live there.

His cousin Caren Thompson-Palacio told the Cayman Compass: "We are indeed still reeling from the shock of Jeff’s arrest.

"We are confident that justice will prevail and Jeff will be found innocent of all charges.

"Prayers and continued support would be greatly appreciated until then."